Workers’ compensation for injuries or illnesses that occur at work is often best obtained when you have competent legal representation.
You should contact a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer if:
- You have been injured while doing your job
- You have suffered a work-related sickness
- You believe you have been treated unfairly in terms of compensation
Some workers mistakenly assume that they can easily handle a legal situation like this on their own.
While you can represent yourself case before a Workers’ Compensation Judge, having a workers’ compensation lawyer on your side significantly increases your chances of actually getting the compensation you truly deserve. In fact, the PA workers’ compensation lawyer doesn’t receive any payment unless they have been successful in obtaining or retaining workers’ compensation wage loss benefits, or settled your case.
Also, if you decide to represent yourself in court anyway, you should know that your employer and their insurance company will definitely be represented by highly experienced and skilled attorneys.
As a person with no experience in the legal area, this could put you at a severe disadvantage that could result in a denial of what you rightfully deserved as compensation.
It is important to recognize that the insurance companies will work to protect their own interests, not yours. That’s why it is vital to have a knowledgeable lawyer who knows how to get you through these adverse situations and receive fair compensation.
Your Lawyer will Negotiate with the Insurer on Your Behalf
Having a lawyer by your side has other benefits as well. For example, you don’t need to hassle yourself by engaging in any communication directly with the insurance company. Your lawyer will take care of that for you.
Also, the claim adjuster will most certainly arrange for an independent medical examination for you – an exam conducted by a doctor who will be paid for by the insurance company.
This doctor could possibly downplay your injury or give a different explanation as to how the injury occurred. These medical appointments are vital and the failure to show up may result in a loss of benefits.
These are sensitive areas where a workers’ compensation lawyer will be able to assist and guide you. The workers’ compensation system may have been designed to offer fair and prompt compensation for injured workers, but it can also work in favor of employers and insurance companies depending on the evidence provided to the Workers’ Compensation Judge.
Whether your case is presented in front of a judge or not, it is always an great idea to get in touch with a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney to help you get through the complex and overwhelming process of dealing with your employer and the insurance company for your rightful compensation provided under the Workers’ Compensation Act.
Your Lawyer Will Help You Complete Your Responsibilities
It is important to ensure that you don’t miss a deadline or fail to take the appropriate action when it comes to your own legal responsibilities. Otherwise you could lose your workers’ compensation benefits.
A lawyer will make sure:
- To pay attention to all due dates, time limits, and appointments
- To keep copies of all the important correspondence you send and receive
- To read all the notices and letters about your claim
- To keep all your medical appointments
- To notify your employer immediately when your doctor allows you to return to work
The More Serious Your Injury, the Bigger the Fight
In case of permanent disabilities – either partial or total – you may be entitled to receive weekly payments or a single lump sum amount to help make up for some of the wages you lost.
But the severity of these cases makes them much more expensive for the insurance company. This means they will usually do everything in their power to avoid paying what you deserve.
This is why you need to hire a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible in case of permanent disability occurring due to a workplace injury.
Considering the statutory time limits, claim filing responsibilities, paperwork and legal intricacies, you should let a professionally competent PA workers’ comp attorney do what only they can do best.
You Don’t Pay Anything to the Lawyer Until You Get Paid
A PA workers’ comp attorney will work on a contingency fee basis. This means, you do not have to pay them anything upfront, and they will get paid only if they successfully obtain compensation for you, successfully retain your ongoing benefits when challenged, or settle your case for a lump sum amount.
Therefore, there is simply no reason to wait, and you should contact a reliable and established workers’ compensation lawyer right away if you have suffered a work-related injury.
